MONDAY, 5 OCTOBER, 2015

IMMEDIATE RELEASE: PHOTOGRAPH ATTACHED- L-R HEALTH PROMOTION OFFICER ALISON DUNCAN AND HEALTH PROMOTION SUPPORT WORKER FAIZA MCKAHEY

Smokers encouraged to ‘take it right outside’ to protect their families

Smokers are being encouraged to ‘take it right outside’ and keep their home and car smoke free.

Staff in the NHS Tayside Early Years and Young People team are asking smokers to make the right choice for their children and acknowledge the effect their habit has on others.

Senior health promotion officer Kerry Dalgetty explains that smoking in the family home or car can affect children, other family members and even pets.

Kerry said, “When you smoke indoors or within an enclosed space, harmful chemicals are created which move from room to room and linger in the air long after you think the smoke has gone. Second-hand smoke can remain for up to five hours in the area, so you may be unaware of the harm it is causing.

“Children breathe faster than adults and therefore will breathe in more of the harmful chemicals from second-hand smoke.

“Keeping the house smoke free protects children and also provides a healthier and cleaner home environment and eliminates potential fire hazards.”

Children who are exposed to smoking are more likely to experience coughing and wheezing, asthma, and ear and chest infections, such as pneumonia and bronchitis.

Cigarette smoke contains more than 4,000 chemicals, including ingredients that are used in ant poison, rocket fuel and floor cleaner.

As part of the Scottish Government Smoke Free Homes campaign, members of the Early Years and Young People team are taking part in a series of visits across the region this month. The events, which include a number of visits to schools for health drop-in awareness sessions, will raise awareness of Smoke Free Homes and provide support and information.

ASH Scotland will also deliver training to multi-agency staff working with parents and carers of children under the age of five. The sessions aim to equip staff with knowledge, skills and confidence to better support parents/carers to protect their children from second-hand smoke in the home.

For more information on Smoke Free Homes contact Kerry Dalgetty on 01382 596964 or health promotion officer Alison Duncan on 01382 424087.

Contact:

Debbie Huband

NHS Tayside Communications

(01382) 740134